Roundtable: Joe Martens

Q: What are your thoughts on the recently passed state budget from an environmental standpoint?

JM: From an environmental perspective, the budget is exceptional. There were major reforms to the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and a 10-year extension of the tax credits; a $1 billion, 10-year extension for the state Superfund program; an expansion of the DEC’s authority to use the state’s oil spill fund for spill training and preparedness; an increase in oil spill staff and an increase in the fees on petroleum products; creation of a new Habitat Conservation and Access Account, which will leverage federal funds for management, protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat; $200 million for a new municipal water and wastewater infrastructure grant program; $5 million to undertake an assessment of nitrogen pollution in Long Island; a $15 million increase in the Environmental Protection Fund; and a $40 million NY Works capital appropriation that will provide the DEC funds to upgrade its facilities.

Q: What are the DEC’s major initiatives in 2015?

JM: The DEC will focus on improving access to public lands; complete a major forest preserve acquisition in the Adirondacks; open a new Catskill Interpretive Center; initiate a pilot aquatic invasive species control program; and roll out several initiatives to improve the management of private forest lands.

Q: What are some of the longer-term environmental goals for New York?

JM: Longer-term goals include reduction in emission of greenhouse gasses, working with the EPA on compliance with the federal Clean Power Plan; working with communities and businesses on reducing solid waste; and making maximum use of renewable resources.